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Definition of prodigal - 3 dictionary results
The Prodigal Son
Parable explained by Dr. Bailey who lived & taught in Middle East.
www.eProdigals.com

prod⋅i⋅gal

  [prod-i-guhl]
Use prodigal in a Sentence
–adjective
1. wastefully or recklessly extravagant: prodigal expenditure.
2. giving or yielding profusely; lavish (usually fol. by of or with): prodigal of smiles; prodigal with money.
3. lavishly abundant; profuse: nature's prodigal resources.
–noun
4. a person who spends, or has spent, his or her money or substance with wasteful extravagance; spendthrift.
Origin:
1500–10; back formation from prodigality

Related forms:
prod⋅i⋅gal⋅ly, adverb

Synonyms:
1. profligate. See lavish. 2, 3. copious, bounteous. 4. waster, wastrel.

Antonyms:
1. cautious, provident.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To prodigal
The Prodigal Son
Parable explained by Dr. Bailey who lived & taught in Middle East.
www.eProdigals.com
prod·i·gal   (prŏd'ĭ-gəl)   
adj.  

  1. Rashly or wastefully extravagant: prodigal expenditures on unneeded weaponry; a prodigal life.

  2. Giving or given in abundance; lavish or profuse: prodigal praise. See Synonyms at profuse.

n.  One who is given to wasteful luxury or extravagance.

[Probably back-formation from prodigality.]
prod'i·gal·ly adv.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

prodigal 
c.1450, back-formation from prodigiality (1340), from O.Fr. prodigalite (13c.), from L.L. prodigalitatem (nom. prodigalitas) "wastefulness," from L. prodigus "wasteful," from prodigere "drive away, waste," from pro- "forth" + agere "to drive" (see act). First ref. is to prodigial son, from Vulgate L. filius prodigus (Luke xv.11-32).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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